First Nations employment

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First Nations Unit

The First Nations Unit at the Australian Public Service Commission prioritises boosting First Nations employment outcomes and uplifting cultural capability and cultural safety across the wider-APS.

The First Nations Unit was established in 2023 and our work contributes to priority reforms identified in the Closing the Gap (CtG) and APS reform agendas. That is, Priority Reform Three Transforming Government Organisations (CtG), and Outcome 7, an APS that sets the standard for First Nations employment and cultural competency (APS Reform).

Mission statement

We provide comprehensive, whole-of government advice, dedicated to enabling inclusive workplaces that prioritise cultural capability and cultural safety. Our goal is to cultivate a public sector which champions First Nations representation and leadership ensuring it authentically reflects and serves the diverse needs and aspirations of the community.

What we do

The First Nations Unit drives the Government’s commitment to boost First Nations employment across the APS to 5% by 2030. We develop new employment opportunities and initiatives to address known barriers to engagement, retention and advancement of First Nations people within the APS. Opportunities, include the SES100 initiative, aiming to increase First Nations SES to 100 to ensure First Nations voices, leadership and perspectives are being heard and are leading key decision making, and co-design of talent development pipelines to better support emerging First Nations talent at the EL2 and SES Band 1 levels.

We work closely with other agencies including the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and the First Nations Community Controlled sector, through the Coalition of Peaks to develop products and services that are fit-for-purpose for the diverse community we serve.

As part of our crucial role to strengthen cultural capability and cultural safety across the APS, we provide subject matter expertise and guidance to support agencies uplift their cultural capability. Our work contributes to Closing the Gap - Priority Reform Three to transform government institutions and organisations, specifically to identify and eliminate racism, and embed and practice meaningful cultural safety.

For more information see our service offer or contact us via email.

Reconciliation Action Plan artwork represents connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to country. It shows plants including desert flowers, seaweed and gum leaves with reds and blues. It has 3 places, connected by pathways. 2 hands working together represents the aim of a cultural understanding and learning from each other. People surrounding a large circle represents a culturally safe working environment for all. 3 people sitting together represents strong reconciliation principles.

Recruitment and retention

Find resources, guides and information on First Nations recruitment and retention in the Australian Public Service
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First Nations employee value proposition

Learn more about how the First Nations Unit are designing an APS-wide First Nations Employee Value Proposition in partnership with the Community Controlled Sector through the Coalition of Peaks
Image of a First Nations dot painting

Cultural capability

Learn more about how the lifelong learning process that helps people to make culturally informed decisions in their approaches to day-to-day work
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Community and socials

View the community and social networks available to help drive collaboration and sharing of best practice.
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